raise 1 of 2

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as in to lift
to move from a lower to a higher place or position he asked members of the audience to raise their hands if they had been to his show before

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in to grow
to look after or assist the growth of by labor and care raises ducks, geese, and other exotic fowl ultimately destined for the dinner table

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in to introduce
to present or bring forward for discussion one member of the tour raised the subject of appropriate attire for visits to sacred sites in the Holy Land

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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raise

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb raise contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of raise are boost, elevate, heave, hoist, lift, and rear. While all these words mean "to move from a lower to a higher place or position," raise carries a stronger implication of bringing up to the vertical or to a high position.

scouts raising a flagpole

In what contexts can boost take the place of raise?

The synonyms boost and raise are sometimes interchangeable, but boost suggests assisting to climb or advance by a push.

boosted his brother over the fence

How does the word elevate relate to other synonyms for raise?

Elevate may replace lift or raise especially when exalting or enhancing is implied.

elevated the taste of the public

When might heave be a better fit than raise?

In some situations, the words heave and raise are roughly equivalent. However, heave implies lifting and throwing with great effort or strain.

heaved the heavy crate inside

When could hoist be used to replace raise?

The words hoist and raise can be used in similar contexts, but hoist implies lifting something heavy especially by mechanical means.

hoisted the cargo on board

When is it sensible to use lift instead of raise?

Although the words lift and raise have much in common, lift usually implies exerting effort to overcome resistance of weight.

lift the chair while I vacuum

How do rear and raise relate to one another?

Rear may add an element of suddenness to raise.

suddenly reared itself up on its hind legs

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of raise
Verb
Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Music Maker Grant recipients as well as raise funds to benefit the BMAC L.A. Fire Relief Fund, an urgent and immediate relief fund with a focus on Black residents and small businesses of the L.A. area affected by the ongoing and devastating fires. Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 17 Jan. 2025 Gwendoline’s questions about the outside raise a few important reminders about the Innies. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
However, even gigs with the same title can come with raises, more opportunities for career advancement, and personal benefits, such as geography and preexisting relationships within an organization. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2025 Agreeing to one-year deals by Thursday’s 1 p.m. deadline were pitchers Zack Littell, who got a hefty raise to $5.72 million; Shane Baz ($1.45 million) and Garrett Cleavinger ($1.2 million); and catcher Ben Rortvedt ($1.125 million). Marc Topkin, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for raise 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for raise
Verb
  • The Kenneth Fire triggered evacuation orders that have since been lifted as forward progress of the fire stopped, Cal Fire reported.
    Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
  • The evacuation orders had been lifted and the fire, which began in West Hills, was 35 percent contained as of Friday afternoon.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Rather than foster a winning culture, her approaches continue to fuel division and a lack of trust among top officials.
    Mike Jones, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Globally, women make up 80% of solo travelers — 82% for Intrepid — reflecting a growing desire for meaningful travel that fosters empowerment and connection.
    Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Late last month, just inside the visitors’ locker room at Lumen Field, two brash, muscular, headstrong men wrapped up each other in the wake of the Vikings’ 27-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, provoking knowing smiles from witnesses conscious of their budding bromance.
    Michael Silver, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Bitcoin prices have declined this week, dropping below $93,000 earlier today after robust economic data provoked concerns that Federal Reserve officials will have to cut rates more slowly.
    Charles Lloyd Bovaird II, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Still, seeing his lover’s smile elicits memories of their happier times together.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 6 Jan. 2025
  • The researchers determined that framing the gender gap in political leadership as an outcome of men's overrepresentation—such as emphasizing that 71% of Congress is male rather than noting that 29% is female—elicited greater anger among women and heightened perceptions of injustice.
    Kim Elsesser, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Most recently occupied by a menswear store that shuttered in 2020, this building erected in 1860 needed to be stripped down in its entirety, including the roof, as lead was discovered there during the early stages of the renovation.
    Lily Templeton, WWD, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Photo of the billboard Tampa Sports erected back in 2018 to lure an outdoor game.
    Jessica Golden, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Arthur wanted to build a house with his own two hands, as his grandfather had done.
    Nancy Walecki, The Atlantic, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Calmer but dry conditions will build Thursday with some moisture arriving this weekend.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Some chains use these tools to meet growing demand from loyalty members, while others leverage AI to speed up drive-thrus and product production.
    Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Curtis named it a top pick due to its strong and growing customer base.
    Samantha Subin, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) wrote in its 2024 global tuberculosis report cases of the disease had increased internationally, with 8.2 million people worldwide being diagnosed in 2023.
    Kristina Watrobski, Baltimore Sun, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Investment in women's health is increasing, from VC to private equity.
    Geri Stengel, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near raise

Cite this Entry

“Raise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raise. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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